Browsing by Subject "Hormiga"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Publication
    Open Access
    Aethalionidae: Functional equivalents of extrafloral nectaries in Bauhinia (cesalpinionidea)
    (Murcia: Universidad de Murcia, Servicio de Publicaciones, 1992) Fowler, H.G.; Facultad de Biología
    Bauhinia forficata Link (Cesalpinionidea), is a common tree of the sub-tropical region of South America, and is heavily utilized as an urban shade tree. Among many of the phytophagous insects associated with this species is the polyphagous Aethalion reticulatum (L.). This sap sucking bug forms colonies on small branches or the base of flowers and developing seed pods. Colonies are tended by at least 6 species of ants in Rio Claro, SP, Brazil, with the most prevalent being Camponotus rufipes (Fabncius). Through manipulative experiments, it was established that colonies of A. reticulatum depend upon ant care for survivorship, and that leaves, flowers and seed pods suffered significantly less herbivory when associated with A. reticulatim colonies, although pre-dispersa1 bruchid seed predation was not affected. Colonies of A. reticulatum may be more beneficia1 than detrimental to the plant, and pattems are similar to benefits reported for extrafloral nectaries.